Lycoming College student awarded Scholarship by the German Academic Exchange Service

Lycoming College German major Shelby Civils ’20 (Altoona, Pa.) was one of twenty-five students from the United States and Canada to receive an undergraduate scholarship from the German Academic Exchange Service (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst – DAAD). DAAD is the largest funding organization in the world, supporting the international exchange of students and scholars.

DAAD helps to create goodwill and professional relationships that will build a solid basis for relations between Germany and North America. The scholarships are highly competitive and recipients are selected by independent selection committees based on outstanding academic records and convincing project proposals or statements of purpose.

“This is a very competitive scholarship, but I’m not surprised that Shelby’s application and qualifications impressed the selection committee,” said Len Cagle, Ph.D., assistant professor of German at Lycoming College. “Shelby intends to pursue graduate study in German Studies, for which significant time in a German-speaking country is an essential prerequisite. I’m looking forward to seeing the results of her year abroad when she returns to Lycoming.”

Civils underwent a rigorous application process. “The application process was intense,” stated Civils. “I was required to provide a transcript, an essay of purpose, two letters of recommendation, and an acceptance letter from the German University.”

The scholarship offers several benefits to Civils including a stipend for travel, healthcare coverage for the duration of her time abroad, and exposure to German culture. DAAD goals are to:

Educate future leaders, who are connected internationally and act in a globally responsible manner.

Provide access to the best study and research opportunities available.

Bridge divides and lines of conflict and encourage open dialogue between cultures.

Stimulate interest in Germany, its culture and language and preserve language diversity in research and academia.